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Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: Good morning 5i staff
I have been waiting for the turn towards esg etf's. Looking at something like ESGV, do you think it could be seen, say, as an equivalent to voo? there was an artcle in Barron's recently saying that they recently have done as well, or better than regular funds. I believe the managment excpense ratio is .12 Not bad. I hold VOO and have been thinking of selling call options on it and then buying something like esgv, if I am called away. I suppose that approach could not be called radically green maybe more like patiently green:).
thanks
Read Answer Asked by joseph on September 04, 2020
Q: You proposed that Warren Buffet's investment in five Japanese commodities traders is motivated by their commodities exposure, rather than by growth and/or multiple expansion prospects for Japan as a region. Okay, but suppose we ignore Buffet's specific interest; is it plausible that Japan's markets have priced-in its disadvantages (such as age-related lower productivity) to the degree that its country-specific ETFs (for example, BBJP) are now 'interesting'? Or should the apparent permanence of such structural constraints drive us away, indefinitely?
Read Answer Asked by John on September 04, 2020
Q: I always avoided HXS because I thought it didn't hold stocks and just had an agreement with NA to deliver the total returns equivalent to S&P500 so there was a significant counterparty risk. The risk may not be much but didn't want to tolerate this risk just to avoid 15% Dividend Tax Withholding. Recently I got to know that HXS has changed its structure from Total Returns Swap to Corporate Class. Does it mean that it now holds stocks (like ZSP or SPY) .. is HXS still any more risky than ZSP or SPY.
Read Answer Asked by Louie on September 04, 2020
Q: I have some US GIC's that have matured and my advisor at RBC is recommending the RBC US Short-term Corporate Bond Fund as interest rates have declined so much for GIC's.
Would you consider this to be a good move or is there something else I should be considering.
Read Answer Asked by shirley on September 04, 2020
Q: Hello 5I
In your opinion, if one is negative or expecting volatility in the market short term, and you want to insulate yourself from this possibility, what needs to happen in a portfolio? Do nothing as this might be emotional and historically a bad move, invest in an inverse ETF, Move a little more towards Gold, consumer staple or low beta stocks? What type of news would make you personally shift focus? Of course, I am asking for your opinion but is there any proof for the answer? Thank you
Read Answer Asked by Jeremy on September 04, 2020
Q: Hi group I asked question last week on W I had a 2% position and based on the market at the time I increased to a full position. Since then its down $70 + us > What is going on can you help me with some guidance< I know this is a value stock along with Virus implications. What your view going fwd hold or sell I still have a 10% profit even after todays rout Thanks for your views on this going fwd . Also when is the next earning due out I would expect them to be very good - do you agree ?
Read Answer Asked by Terence on September 04, 2020
Q: Retired dividend-income investor. Looking to add to my Consumer sector. I already own PBH, NWC, PLC. I am looking to add one more name, preferably with a dividend > 3%, although dividend security and dividend growth are more important than todays yield.

I have looked at CTC.A, LNF, MG, PRMW and QSR. I have researched each using both fundamentals (beta, P/E, P/BV, P/CF, P/S, ROE) and technicals (higher highs and higher lows, above 200mda), as well as current analyst estimates.

CTC.A comes across as just "ok". LNF has already had an incredible jump recently, so I am hesitant to buy at current prices. MG is not bad, but shows a ROE = -1%. PRMW looks good except for the ROE = -9%. QSR also looks good, showing a ROE = +29% (I can't find P/BV and P/CF anywhere). The bottom line is there doesn't appear to be a stand out obvious buy. I am leaning toward one of MG, PRMW or QSR.

Would you please rank all 5 companies from best to worst for the following (assuming a 3-5 year hold):
a) Dividend security
b) Capital gain potential
c) Total return potential

Thanks for your help. Much appreciated....Steve
Read Answer Asked by Stephen on September 04, 2020
Q: If you were to establish an RESP for someone who was just born, and are starting with a small amount of money, perhaps a couple of thousand dollars, what would you invest in? Would you invest in an ETF? If so, which one? Would you consider investing in a single stock? If so, which ones would you consider?
Read Answer Asked by Doug on September 04, 2020
Q: Hi, I am the sole owner of a rental property that amounts to 25% of my
total assets. My existing equity portfolio consists of another 25% of
my total assets. The other 50% consists of my principal residence and
cash. I am about to turn 65 (widowed), and am thinking of selling the rental property and using the balance to buy REITs for income. I'd
like to get your thoughts on:

1) The financial tradeoff between owning a physical rental property
and owning REIT shares. Over the past few months in Toronto, property
prices have gone up as much as 15% but REIT prices have decreased
drastically on the TSX. Does it make sense to keep physical real
estate when REITs are discounted (or maybe they're actually priced
appropriately for the future?) Being a landlord requires a fair bit of
work and I'd like to take it easy in retirement.

2) The optimal percentage of total assets in the stock market during
retirement. If I sell the rental property and invest those proceeds
for a total of 50% of total assets invested in the stock market, do
you think this makes sense, or is that too risky? I have very low/no
exposure to bonds.

Thanks in advance.
Esther
Read Answer Asked by Esther on September 04, 2020
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